John Simmons, a 203, was as irreverent
as they come. A smart-ass kid who simply wanted to get drunk
and laid and have fun. And did he have fun! I, along with
another 202, ran into John late one night in downtown Iraklion.
When we stopped drinking (everything had closed), the three of
us wanted to get something to eat. Our favorite souflaki
stand also was closed so we decided to help ourselves to a couple
of the chickens hanging along Market Street. Our intent was
to take them down to the beach, stick a wire coathanger through them
and then cook them over a fire. Hunger problem almost solved.
However, while we were making our culinary selections, suddenly we
heard the "tweet", "tweet", "tweet" of a whistle. Looking back,
we saw a Greek cop running towards us -- fast!! (One's first
thought was always: "Oh, my God, my Security Clearance!")
John Simmons running down Market Street
Obviously, we took off running like crazy. We rounded a corner
and I told both John and our partner in crime to keep on going
and I'd delay the cop! They ran towards a wall and started to
climb it just as the policeman ran up to me and shown his flashlight
right in my face. I staggered towards him smiling as though he
were my best friend in the world. Then I engaged him in the
kind of one-sided conversation that the locals seemed
to understand where every word was a single sentence and pointing
back and forth helped. "Felos. You. Greek. Me. American. Greeks.
Americans. Friends. You. Me. Ouzo?" (That
established that I considered him my friend as well as pointing out
our nationalities. Now, because our two countries were NATO
allies, the offer of a drinking session was on the table. Felos was
unsure of his next move.)
When I saw John reaching the top of the wall and getting ready to jump down, I muttered something to my new best friend and then pointed to the escaping criminals just as they dropped on the other side. (I was helpful that way in the interest of international cooperation.)
